This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
May 17, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the Kenyan church, with many pastors struggling to make ends meet due to the decline in church offerings and tithes.
According to Bishop Dr Kepha Omae, chairman of the Kenya Church Ministers Forum, the pandemic has curtailed church operations, affecting not only church ministers but society at large.
"A church operates like any other organisation. What makes an organisation is people. When people cannot meet to worship, it is a problem. It creates a ripple effect that not only affects church ministers but society at large," said Omae, who is also presiding Bishop at Redeemed Gospel Church.
Many church leaders have reported a significant decline in offerings and tithes, making it difficult for them to pay their staff, including teachers in schools operated by the church.
"We run eight schools spread across Nakuru, Narok, Nairobi and Western, which is home to our major school - St Michael. We are now paying teachers only 70 per cent of their salaries," Bishop Mike Brawan of Metro church said.
Some churches have been forced to suspend their programmes, including those in schools, hospitals, and providing for the vulnerable in society.
"We have our headquarters in Dandora, Nairobi, and we are aware that most of our members cannot afford to buy food or pay rent. We are trying to get some cash to buy them food but it is hard on us," Bishop Patrick Ominde of Jesus Explosion Ministries said.
Others have turned to innovative measures to cope with the effects of the pandemic, such as offering online lessons to students.
"Like any other sector of the economy, we have put in measures to cope with effects of the pandemic. We are lucky we have a university that has been offering online lessons to students from 2007. This has roped in teachers in our 10 schools in Nairobi and Kisumu, where we offer online lessons," Bishop Dr David Oginde of Christ is the Answer Ministry (Citam) said.
However, not all churches are holding back in these difficult times. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ngong' Road is giving back a percentage of tithe to its members who have been consistent in giving in the past three years.
"We have food that is sustaining the clergy, but soon families will turn to the church to provide for them," Kisumu Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo said.
As the pandemic continues to ravage the country, many Kenyan pastors are calling on their followers to engage in income-generating activities to help the congregation become economically stable.
"The question of offerings and tithe should not be a challenge to pastors; The clergy must engage in income-generating activities and help the congregation become economically stable," Rev Samuel Manyonyi, National Chairman Alliance of Registered Churches Kenya said.
